回首2017｜Looking Back 2017

For a long time, my memories have often been fragmented and dim, like rolls of film being locked in a drawer somewhere, and after developing them years after, I then notice that most of them were out of focus.

This year, I’d like to establish an annual ritaul for myself, a ritual of looking back the passing year. I hope this seemingly minor ritual could somehow permeate into my daily life, reminding me to stay clam and responsive to everything I’m experiencing, cultivating my ability of transfering it into written language or creations. Even though I’m meanwhile training myself to be more rational and pragmatic in the reality.

這一年，值得紀念的事：

Here are the memorable things happened in this year:

1. 白湖的學習經驗｜The learning experience at Weißensee Academy of Art Berlin

From the learning experience at Weißensee Academy of Art Berlin, I’ve realized the importance of contextual thinking and the maker spirit, especially when it comes to design. And I will always be thankful that meeting one of my role model, who is also the supervisor of my Bachelor Project and has made a great impact on me. Besides, everything happened on the journey has always been reminding me that, the possibilities are endless. Never limit yourself. Challenge and enjoy yourself!

2. 米蘭設計周參展｜Exhibiting at Milan Design Week (Salone Satellite 2017)

Milan Design Week, which exhibits cross over from commercial, conceptial to experimental design, is the first city-scale design event I’ve ever participated in my life. I’ve learned a lot from our well-experienced teacher, and also had lots of fun through the overall process of designing, prototyping, building-up the exhibition, interacting with the viewers, and so on.

3. 在白湖完成畢業設計｜Doing my Bachelor Project at Weißensee

Doing the Bachelor Project alone at Weißensee made me realize that, though I enjoy the liberty and efficiency of doing things on my own, how valuable it is to have a complementary yet like-minded parter working together. The process was frustrating indeed, but I did learn deeper about myself, no matter the strength or weakness. I always remember that how my supervisor commended me in front of the visiting professors of my scholarship program. She looked at me, saying, ‘Jing-wen is just like a fish. She is always able to swim through our workshops and departments, managing the resources she needs smoothly. She gets along with us very well.’

I’ve yearned for attending Boisbuchet Design Workshop since first grade in college. It happpened at a very right time for me. I took it as a gift, for rewarding myself after completing the Bachelor Project. The most unforgettable and precious thing for me is still, people. Till now, the week having fun in the beautiful manor with amazing people, remains like a sweet dream hovering in my head. (Looking forward to the film and the documentation from Xue Xue!)

5. 和德語世界更靠近了一些｜Getting closer to the German speaking world

The year living in Germany pulls me toward the German speaking world much closer, and this makes me really happy and thankful till now, even though my German is not yet fluent. Few weeks ago I found a Langenscheidts Schulwörterbuch Englisch-Deutsch (German-English Dictionary) at my new space in the office. I will never forget how excited I was at that time, holding the yellow cover dictionary and crazily screaming to my colleagues. Hope I will stay passionate, and once again step into the German class in the near future.

6. 從實習到工作｜From internship to working

It has been almost five months that I switched the position from an intern to a design specialist. I can feel myself being extracted yet also fully absorbing like a loop. No matter what, I believe I will see my growth all along the way, when looking back in the future.

7. 學習關照他人｜Learning to take care of others

While working, I realized that I care a lot about the team climate: Only if everyboby is happy, I can then truly be happy. Besides self-management, I’m now practicing to take good care of others, starting from the closest people around me.

期許新的一年，真切地活在當下。
踏實奠定專業能力的同時，持續學著同理、寬容、感恩和愛。

May the upcoming new year, always live in the moment.
While establishing the professional competence, continuously practice empathy, tolerance, gratitude and love.